When it comes to gulf countries warn of rising threat from iran-backed militias and proxies, gulf nations have expressed serious concerns regarding the increasing threat posed by Iran-backed militias and proxy armed groups, fearing potential destabilization of their regimes and further escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. In a unified statement released this week, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan condemned the Iranian assaults on their territories, which they attributed both to direct actions from Iran and to attacks executed through various proxies and armed factions supported by Tehran.
On Wednesday, Kuwait announced it had thwarted a significant plot aimed at assassinating state leaders, apprehending six suspects believed to have ties with Hezbollah, one of Iran's most influential proxy groups. For decades, Iran has strategically utilized these proxy militias to extend its influence across the region, destabilizing rival nations while exporting its revolutionary ideals. Prominent examples include Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, but other violent Iranian-supported militias are also active in Iraq and Syria. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding Gulf Countries Warn Of Rising Threat From Iran-backed Militias And Proxies
Recently, relations between Iran and several Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, had shown signs of warming, with increased cooperation and diplomatic engagement. However, this relative calm has been disrupted since the U.S. and Israel intensified their military operations against Iran at the end of February. As retaliatory measures from Iran began to unfold, Gulf states found themselves on the receiving end of numerous attacks, largely due to their close ties with Washington and the presence of American military bases.
These developments have resulted in a barrage of missiles and drones launched from Iranian territory, alongside a worrying uptick in internal incidents linked to armed groups associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This has raised concerns that Iran might activate dormant sleeper cells within the Gulf, potentially turning them into active threats as part of their military strategy.
Gulf Nations Crack Down on Proxy Activities
In light of these escalating threats, Gulf nations are intensifying their efforts to combat Iranian proxy activities. Earlier this month, Qatar reported the arrest of two cells comprising over ten individuals with connections to the Iranian regime. Bahrain followed suit, detaining several suspects accused of espionage on behalf of Iran. Meanwhile, Kuwait's recent operations revealed a large Hezbollah-linked cell involved in schemes aimed at undermining national security.
The joint statement issued by these Gulf states highlighted that multiple attacks have emanated from Iran-backed militias operating out of Iraq, which have severely compromised Iraq's own security. The Gulf nations have called upon the Iraqi government to take immediate action to halt such assaults, emphasizing the need to maintain brotherly relations while averting further escalation of tensions.
Specific Threats to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
The situation is particularly precarious for countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Both nations have experienced violent actions from Iranian-backed militia groups, with Saudi Arabia bearing the brunt of attacks from Hezbollah al-Hejaz and Bahrain frequently accusing Iran of establishing proxy networks within its borders. Saudi Arabia is still embroiled in a conflict with the Houthis in Yemen, another Iranian proxy. Despite their involvement, the Houthis have recently stated they will refrain from engaging in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran.
Analysts have pointed out that while the threat level from Iranian proxy groups in the Gulf has not yet escalated to the intensity seen during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, the potential for increased violence remains a significant concern. Bilal Saab, senior managing director of the Trends US think tank and a former Pentagon official, noted, "If this war escalates, the worst-case scenario for the Gulf countries is Iran activating their sleeper cells and these Shia militia movements in the region."
Saab emphasized that, while these threats have not fully materialized, there are troubling signs of dormant cells becoming active, as evidenced by recent arrests in Kuwait and the UAE. The fear among Gulf leaders is palpable, particularly regarding the prospect of facing both external threats from Iran's military capabilities and internal challenges from proxy groups.
As the situation continues to evolve, Gulf nations are grappling with the existential threat posed by Iranian proxies. They face a complex dilemma: whether to adopt a more aggressive stance against Iranian provocations, risking further escalation, or to maintain a cautious approach as they navigate these treacherous geopolitical waters.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.